The Determination of the Quality of Air and the Pollution Index - Essay Example

Number Phoenix Air Pollution Air pollution is a growing concern for many cities of the world. The problemis especially in cities of developing countries or by cities undergoing rapid industrial growth. Phoenix, Arizona is one city experiencing this problem. To come up with practical solutions to the menace, we have convened a stakeholder’s meeting with all interested parties in attendance. We would like to acknowledge and thank the willingness of the following stakeholders and interested parties. Present here are representatives from the Federal Government, the Mayor’s office, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), The American Lung Association (ALA), The Natural Resource Defense Council (NRDC), The Chemicals Manufacture’s Association (CMA), The American Trucking Association, Automobile Manufactures, and all other interest groups represented here today. I am very convinced that we are all after the same goal, which is to have a pollution free air. We now have to find a common ground to thread. I believe I have a proposal that will bring everyone on board. To solve this problem, we first have to accept that a problem does indeed exist. The most noticeable constant in the skies of Phoenix is the blanket of smog hovering up there. This smog extends to the wider regions of Maricopa County. The sky that is constantly heavy with cloudy dense smog that sometimes results in poor visibility. To put this into perspective, we have to look at statistics on the pollution levels. A survey on the quality of air in Phoenix done The American Lung Association found that the Air Quotient Index is at a staggering high at 57%(areavibes.com).The Air Quotient Index (AQI) refers to an average value that considers harmful pollutants in relation to its impact on the health of the people. This is way above the national index by 172.9 % ( arevibes.com). EPA uses this AQI when enforcing the Clean Air Act. EPA has classified these results into five major categories in relation to the pollutants. These are: nitrogen dioxide, sulfur dioxide, ground level ozone, particulate matter and carbon. With these as guidelines, EPA in conjunction with ALA has made great strides in relation to the air quality in Phoenix. Another parameter used in the determination of the quality of air is the pollution index. This is the sum of all harmful and hazardous pollutants shown in pounds. The pollution index of Phoenix Arizona is at 46.6%. The main pollutants here are arsenic, benzene, lead, mercury and carbon tetrachloride. These pollutants have long term health implications for the inhabitants of this area. Consequently, Phoenix and the regions of the greater Maricopa County lie in a valley. Winds blowing across this area are mostly too weak to blow away the pollutant. This creates a scenario where all polluted air produced is trapped within the valley and put back into circulation. The smoke from factories, vehicles and other emissions accumulate and deplete the ozone layer. The ozone layer shields us from the unsafe rays of the sun. When depleted, the protection reduces and this increases chances of developing cancer. The accumulation of these toxins leads to the formation of the dense cloud of smog, which is synonymous with Phoenix. Another thing, which worsens the pollution levels, is the type of weather experienced in the Arizona area. The hot desert climate of Arizona increases the rate at which the smog is formed leading to even more hazy skies (Gulbinas 4). Air pollutants are grouped into two categories: primary pollution brought about by carbon monoxide, etc. Its pollution is direct in nature. Secondary air pollution occurs when some particles react with other particles to cause pollution. A good example will be rain and sulfur which form sulfurous acid. (Gulbinas 1). In depth analysis shows that hydrocarbons are a major source of cancer especially lung cancer. Ground level ozone forms when nitrogen in the atmosphere reacts with rainwater. (Gulbinas 7) .As earlier stated ground level ozone is also a form of pollution. The ozone in the sky serves to protect us from the sun’s harmful rays. The ground level ozone however, is a pollutant and it has an irritating choking-like effect. It irritates the eyes and nose thus people with allergic conditions like asthma are vulnerable to such (Gulbinas 2). Carbon dioxide has no direct implications for human beings as a pollutant. However, it increases global warming significantly by trapping in the hot polluted air. On the other hand carbon monoxide is very harmful to human beings. Vehicles produce it during partial combustion of fuel. Carbon dioxide is fully oxidized in vehicles. Carbon monoxide in high levels dissolves in the blood stream and competes with oxygen in the lungs. This may lead to suffocation and/or even death. Nitrogen and sulfur oxides emitted from industries are also major pollutants. These compounds react with rainwater and form acid rain. Acid rain irritates skin, eyes and can worsen conditions such as asthma. The particle matter found in the atmosphere is another source of pollution. These particles aggregate asthmatic conditions and can even make it hard for children to breath properly. These heavier particles contribute to the haziness of the sky and with effect formation of the smog. To lay emphasis on the need for cleaner air, we have to go through the health implications brought about by air pollution. The first and most obvious one are problem related to bronchi-constriction especially Asthma and Bronchitis. People suffering from this condition also tend have increased difficulties in breathing and carrying out simple daily tasks. Radon, lead and other metallic particles found in the air can cause cancer especially of the lung. Birth defects have also been known to occur as a result of polluted air. According to a recent article in the Health Scout News, polluted air can actually cause heart attacks. “The study adds to the indication connecting particles from automobile exhausts, power plants, and refineries to heart problems.”(Encyclopedia, Health Scout News) To be able to rid our air of these pollutants, we have to come up with practical solutions involving everyone playing a role. This is because human actions are the form the largest part of the pollution. The Clean Air Act of 1970 was a major milestone towards realizing our aims of clean air. According to the EPA the levels of hydrocarbon emission have today fallen by between 80% to 90% (Mann, 4). In 1998, the State of Arizona through its Governor came up with the Governor’s Air Quality Task Force. This task force came up with solutions that involved industries, municipalities, schools and other stakeholders to work together. They came up with the CleanAir2000 (CleanAir2000, 1). This pledge ensured those present would take measures that will cut down on air pollution. In the same spirit we can convene meetings like this at every level of the society. Practices such as car-pooling and taking walks or riding bicycles should be encouraged to cut down on the emissions from motor vehicles. Simple energy efficient appliances in the household can cut down on pollution. Use of EPA approved appliances should also be strongly recommended. Planting trees and vegetation can also be a good way about cutting down on the levels of pollution. Trees take in carbon dioxide during respiration and give out oxygen during the day. The reverse is true at night. The levels of carbon are significantly reduced. Trees also beautify the environment. Indeed, the Arizona Clean and Beautiful campaign started in 1985 has won many accolades and transformed most arid areas into green-forested regions. This in effect change the ecosystem and by extension the weather pattern of that particular area (Arizona Clean and Beautiful 1). In addition, Lawmakers should enact laws that call for environmental protection while handing stiffer penalties to those who disregard these laws. Having such laws in place will influence positively on the fight against pollution. Awareness should be emphasized from the kindergarten levels. Elementary pupils and high school students have a dedicated drive and zeal once they have a valid cause in which they believe in. Creative laws meant at reducing the number of motor vehicles in the streets should be implemented. For instance, have vehicles of a single color only on the streets occasionally. Having a Ride-to-Work Day whereby people are encouraged to cycle to work to reduce the number of vehicles on the road. The emphasis here is on the need to adjust daily routines to energy to curb pollution. As you can see, these proposals do not call for drastic measures that are unattainable. I ask for integration of healthy energy conserving practices, which will in turn make the quality of air cleaner. Let us hold hands and aspire to breathe clean air once again. Works Cited Arizona Clean and Beautiful. “Arizona Clean and Beautiful”.  Phoenix, AZ: US.  1998.  aspin.asu.edu/acb/ "Air pollution."123HelpMe.com. 02 Mar 2013 Mann, Clare.  Air Pollution in Megacities of the World: Los Angeles. Manchester, EN: Atmospheric Research and Information Center, 1996 Gulbinas, Vilija. “On the Road to Recovery: an Angelino’s Guide to    Smog”.  Los Angeles, CA: US.  1998. www.nrdc.org/nrdc/find/aibresum.html Arizona Governor Jane Hull.  “Arizona Department of Environmental Quality.” Phoenix, AZ: US. 1998.    Read More